Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has sharply criticised Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it an unlawful interference that threatens Somalia’s territorial integrity and risks further destabilising the Horn of Africa and key global trade routes, reports Daily Sabah.
Speaking with Doha-based Al Jazeera, Mohamud on Feb. 7 said that Somalia “will never allow” the establishment of an Israeli military base in Somaliland and vowed to confront any such move, warning it could be used as a launch point for attacks on neighbouring countries.
Mohamud’s remarks followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision in December to recognise Somaliland, a separatist region in northwestern Somalia.
The move made Israel the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state, marking a major diplomatic shift in a region long defined by contested sovereignty and fragile security.
Somalia has denounced the recognition as an assault on its unity, a stance supported by most African and Arab governments.
Mohamud urged Israel to reverse its decision, arguing that it violates international law and undermines regional stability.
In the interview, he described Israel’s action as a “reckless, fundamentally wrong and illegal action under international law.”
“We will fight in our capacity. Of course, we will defend ourselves,” Mohamud said. “And that means that we will confront any Israeli forces coming in.”